Ayn Rand's polemical 1957 novel "Atlas Shrugged" deals in her pet beliefs: the strength of a market economy, the value of reason, and above all, stone-cold rational self-interest. Apparently that's a hard tagline to swallow, because whoever wrote DVD title sheets for the miserably-reviewed "Atlas Shrugged Part 1," called the source material, "Ayn Rand's timeless novel of courage and self-sacrifice." In an unintentionally hilarious press release on the movie's official blog, Atlas Productions LLC execs apologize for the error with a series of frameworthy quotes:

From CEO Harmon Kaslow:

"As we all well know, the ideas brought to life in Atlas Shrugged are entirely antithetical to the idea of 'self-sacrifice' as a virtue. Atlas is quite literally a story about the dangers of self-sacrifice. The error was an unfortunate one and fans of Ayn Rand and Atlas have every right to be upset."

And more, from Communications Director Scott DeSapio:

"It's embarrassing for sure and of course, regardless of how or why it happened, we're all feeling responsible right now. You can imagine how mortified we all were when we saw the DVD but, it was simply too late - the product was already on shelves all over the Country. It was certainly no surprise when the incredulous emails ensued. The irony is inescapable."

The company has set up a page for angry objectivists to order a free corrected title sheet, which now reads: "Ayn Rand's timeless novel of rational self-interest comes to life..." The generous offer strikes us as distinctly un-Randian.

The best thing is? The guys were all "Yeah, no, we're doing this because he is an ARSEHOLE and you don't say that treating people like this is ok." and the lecturer was all "Yes, I know, but I'm trying to put it in terms he will understand."

jamethiel_baneRe: I'm trying to put it in terms he will understand. — 14th-Nov-2011 12:59 am (UTC)

The thing that gets me is that Randian logic just... completely falls down. Because sooner or later you are going to reach a point, like this guy did, where something that will gratify you will hurt someone else. Then, when you need co-operation from others, you're just plum outta luck.